The Fresh Loaf

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Do vegemite and marmite taste the same?

clazar123's picture
clazar123

Do vegemite and marmite taste the same?

Vegemite is harder for me to find but is what I have used before. I've never had Marmite. I understand what they are but I don't know if they taste similar enough to use interchangeably.

Can anyone give a description of the flavor similarity or difference? Saltier? Sweeter? Yeast-ier? Beer-ier?

Abe's picture
Abe (not verified)

they are similar. Like asking the difference between two wines. Both wines! but with subtle flavour differences. Same here. Both yeast extracts but with flavour differences only apparent to those who can eat the stuff. Here is an article but as far as substituting I don't think the differences are that pronounced that you'd need to adjust anything especially in the quantities used and the flavour imparted.

clazar123's picture
clazar123

I realize the difficulty of describing taste, so thank you for your response. I did talk to some "aficionados" who told me they were very different but couldn't provide any descriptive qualities that made sense. Maybe they hadn't really tasted the other product! :)  It sounds like Marmite would be a good substitute for my purpose. I'm looking for that yeasty, salty flavor to come through-just 1/2 tsp per loaf. I was quite amazed at the flavor of that loaf.

Happy baking!

Abe's picture
Abe (not verified)

Here is another comparison website. Apparently people do swear by a difference. I think the description is better in this comparison. I now imagine it to be like Honey vs. Golden Syrup or Maple Syrup.

Truth Serum's picture
Truth Serum

What are you using it in?

clazar123's picture
clazar123

I have been experimenting with low carb bread for a friend with health issues and added 1/2 tsp vegemite to the dough. I was astonished at how delicious it made this bland loaf. No wheat/no yeast (or fermentation) really limits development of flavor. I actually enjoyed eating these slices. My friend (without bread for many months) LOVED the flavor.

HERE is the actual recipe in development. The dough has a batter consistency and the crumb is moist and dense like a teabread (but not sweet). Given that crumb structure is made from eggs, xanthan gum and /or psyllium and the rise is from chemical leavening, moist and dense is probably all I can achieve. You will see yeast in the ingredients and I did try that the first time but it is really is not too effective for lift-just for flavoring.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

DesigningWoman's picture
DesigningWoman

of them, but I seem to recall that dark miso could be used as a substitute for marmite…?

Just tossing that out there.

Enjoy your baking!

Carole

Abe's picture
Abe (not verified)

I can imagine a dark miso paste undiluted can be a pretty good substitute for the intense salty flavour. 

I'm also inclined to agree one has to be brought up on it to appreciate it. My cousin's loved the stuff. As for me I could smell it on them even if they had a marmite sandwich a sometime earlier. 

leslieruf's picture
leslieruf

but I bought Vegemite for my Australian daughter in law.  I might just buy a small jar of Marmite and compare the two!  I am intrigued!  will report back. :)

Leslie

dabrownman's picture
dabrownman

the way around, I would say that they taste the same if all doggie do-do tastes the same - just sayin'....It must have something to do with what you grew up eatingg.....  See 19 kids tasting it for the first time.  There is always one who likes the stuff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUWWRMkT7xI 

yozzause's picture
yozzause

Dab Maaattttteee they sounded like German kids  Aussie kids would have woofed it down!

i grew up in the UK on Marmite,  now in Australia i've made the transition to Vegemite but there is also Bovril and Bonox lurking in the background. 

i love a fresh crumpet with a generous application of butter then Vegemite topped with cheddar cheese  and back under the grill till that starts to melt  then a sprinkle of cracked pepper for a little longer under the grill. Now that takes some beating for a good quick start to the day.

Kind regards Derek

dabrownman's picture
dabrownman

but you can substitute any bunch of kids from anywhere except Australia and NZ and get the same reaction.  From now on I will chalk it up to them not toasting the bread first ,then the Vegemite and then cheese and then black pepper and then back into the toaster again:-)  Great if you grew up on it and barf city if you haven't:-)

yozzause's picture
yozzause

I promise not to serve you up any for Brekky if you come for a visit to Australia Dab!

leslieruf's picture
leslieruf

of marmite.  I have just done a smell and taste test.  Vegemite smells stronger and a little sharper. Marmite tastes a little stronger... The difference is not very great so I think you can interchange them and not really notice it. It was a hard test - pure vegemite vs pure marmite!! I am out of the habit of eating it like this but will admit to loving it on toast smothered in grilled cheese! and for me now, it can be either...

Leslie

Mini Oven's picture
Mini Oven

of purines.  So if that special person is subject to gout, check with them first.

clazar123's picture
clazar123

Gout and headaches. I will definitely keep this in mind. It is not a problem for this particular friend but I will remember for future.

kendalm's picture
kendalm

I grew up on vegemite and my mother grew up on marmite. To me its a consistency and color thing. Marmite is gooey and brownish whereas vegemite is dark and more like grease. They are both delicious especially on crumpets :)

DesigningWoman's picture
DesigningWoman

you make that sound ever so appetizing :-P I may still hold off on trying the stuff!

Enjoy the day!

Carole

kendalm's picture
kendalm

yeah just shooting straight - I moved to USA as a teen and always laughed the people here try it by slathering thick layers on toast but even most who grew up in it think that's too much. I will tell you there is one thing Americans hate more than vegemite and that is a 'musk stick' (an absolutely delicious pink candy stick that they say tastes like cheap hotel soap)